TORONTO/ISLAMABAD: A flight attendant employed by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was apprehended in Toronto following the discovery of banned items in her possession.
The air hostess Hina Sani was detained after authorities found multiple passports belonging to unrelated individuals among her belongings. Sani had previously been cautioned for carrying prohibited items.
Sani reached Toronto aboard PIA flight PK-789.
A PIA spokesperson verified the incident and stated that they were coordinating with Canadian authorities. This occurrence adds to the string of controversies surrounding the national airline’s operations in Canada this year.
Earlier in 2024, several PIA cabin crew members had reportedly absconded upon reaching Canada on a flight.
Meanwhile, in a significant turn of events, three prominent Gulf nations—specifically, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—have signaled a strong interest in acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) amidst the Pakistani government’s heightened push for privatization.
This expression of interest from Gulf countries underscores the attractiveness and potential of PIA as an investment opportunity in the aviation sector.
The involvement of these Gulf countries reflects a broader trend of international interest in Pakistan’s national carrier, highlighting its strategic importance and potential for growth in the region’s aviation industry.
The interest shown by established players like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar indicates confidence in PIA’s future prospects under private ownership and management.
The government’s accelerated privatization efforts have paved the way for discussions and negotiations with potential investors from around the world, including these Gulf states.
This development aligns with Pakistan’s broader economic strategy to attract foreign investment, enhance operational efficiency, and revitalize key sectors of the economy.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
